AdvanceEDU is a young nonprofit organization improving student outcomes in Colorado by offering an innovative higher education model aimed at closing income and access gaps. AdvanceEDU students earn an online degree from a high-quality and accredited university collaborator. We prioritize degree programs that are flexible and career-relevant. AdvanceEDU provides students with funding opportunities for college, intensive, personalized success coaching (academic and career), career connections, and access to our warm and thriving co-learning community (both in person and online).
As we continue to grow, we are seeking an entrepreneurial-minded individual to join our leadership team as the Pueblo Site Director. If you are passionate about making a difference, like the pace and fluid nature of a startup, and have a strong leadership background, we encourage you to apply.
Role Overview
The Pueblo Site Director will report directly to the Head of Strategy & Operations (HSO). They will lead us in launching a critical satellite location in Pueblo, Colorado, extending our much-needed services to more southern parts of the state, focusing on Pueblo and its immediate surroundings. The Site Director leads and manages outreach, community partnerships, and organizational compliance. Considering this is an inaugural hire, an appetite for innovation, creativity, and flexibility is crucial.
Responsibilities
Site Launch (30%)
Create a site launch strategy and plan in partnership with the CEO and leadership team
Create and manage (ongoing) the local annual budget, ensuring line of sight to major costs and forecasting
Communicate any changes and challenges to HSO and leadership team to effectively adjust the plan in a timely manner
Coordinate launch events, and in partnership with the MOR team, marketing opening and buzz-building
Execute on the site launch plan, adjusting for and overcoming challenges and barriers
Community Partnerships & Outreach (25%)
Establish, grow, and maintain relationships with recruitment partners, including but not limited to Schools, Youth Centers, Workforce Centers, and Employer Partners
Manage partnership agreements and related documentation, including MOUs, grant reporting, and ongoing communication
Act as a liaison between the organization and the community, addressing concerns, answering queries, and providing relevant information
Cultivate relationships to recruit new students and ensure the continual growth of services in the region.
Cultivate relationships with community leaders, organizations, and individuals to foster collaboration and support.
Establish effective communication channels to inform stakeholders about our programs, events, and new offerings.
Plan, organize, and execute community events, workshops, and informational sessions to promote awareness of the organization's mission and services.
Lead and collaborate with internal team members and volunteer staff to ensure events align with organizational objectives and messaging.
Operations (30%)
Support the ongoing operations of the Pueblo site, including restocking supplies, arranging cleaning services, and managing staff coverage and our master calendar
Manage site equipment, furniture, and any necessary items for workflow and continuity
Lead in the opening/launch of the site and all related tasks
Manage and oversee the fiscal budget in partnership with the HSO and CEO
Manage site contracts, local compliance, and necessary communications
Support in the annual audit and accounting activity to maintain good standing for the site
Manage MOUs and partner agreements for the Pueblo site
Ensure all other related compliance and reporting requirements for the site and region
Support in the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of internal support staff and volunteers as needed
Maintain site compliance for training, certifications, onboarding, and staff support.
Collaborate with the HSO for site alignment related to performance, competencies, goal-setting, and values.
Student Success (10%)
Collaborate with the existing student success team to provide student support, including seminars, onboarding, and ongoing programming
Collaborate with existing student success team to monitor, evaluate, survey, and ensure continued growth, metrics, and success of student programming
Meet with students to offer in-person coaching, technology distribution, and required support as needed
Communicate with the greater team to ensure continuity and alignment of services advancing the mission of AdvanceEDU
Strategic Planning (5%)
Collaborate with the HSO and leadership team to set Site goals and develop strategies to achieve them, ensuring alignment with the organization's strategic plan and growth trajectory.
Work with the leadership team to refine and enhance the strategic plan while providing timely updates for future shifts.
Work with other teams in the organization to build and support systems for the operational elements of their work and its goals.
You should consider this role if you are...
An outstanding leader excited to take an organization from startup to sophisticated
In our environment, the Site Director must be self-motivated and self-directed, able to work independently and as part of a team while demonstrating high accountability and ownership. A day in the life of the Site Director may range from small tasks like opening the office to more complex ones like leading events for recruitment and info sessions.
A self-motivated entrepreneurial mind
The Site Director must have experience and a healthy appetite for successfully launching new businesses, initiatives, or programs.
A leader in innovation and implementation
You must have the ability and willingness to implement and build while innovating when needed
A community-first professional who loves the power of education
You must place a high value on the needs of the community and have a passion and commitment to serving those needs through higher education and the careers it leads to
A tolerance for the unknown and a mind for future thinking
You have the ability to think 2-3 steps ahead as we iterate and get our model right for students. You will need to anticipate challenges, plan for contingencies, and problem-solve when plans A - C do not work.
An equity champion and organizational culture leader
You must approach all issues with an explicit values-based lens and bring a skill set that includes getting to the root of adaptive challenges and tackling equity issues manifested at the systemic level.
A leader who is inspired by the controlled chaos of building something life-changing for students
AdvanceEDU is in year four of its existence, and each day brings new adventures. You will love this role if you enjoy creating, improving, and continually focusing on better outcomes.
The Competencies Specific to This Role Are:
Relationship Building & Management: Lead and support in the forging of partnerships and relationships critical to growth, learning, funding opportunities, and success in Pueblo adjacent townships.
Event Planning and Management: Direct the planning, organizing, and executing of student and community-facing events.
Student Support: Lead and partner with the Denver office to consistently provide exceptional support and guidance for local students, leading to improved educational and career outcomes.
Team Leadership: Grows, guides, and inspires team members toward achieving organizational goals with a strong focus on collaboration, innovation, and effective decision-making.
Qualifications
Three years of experience in Education or Nonprofits, preferably in a leadership role and in an education or education-adjacent field
Familiarity with K-12 and higher education systems and experience working with diverse and low-income communities.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required with a focus on program delivery and site management
Live in or around Pueblo, Colorado, with a car and valid driver's license for commuting to the office and the local area as needed.
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $72,000 to $85,000 with full benefits including:
Company-sponsored health, vision, dental, and life insurance plans
Company-sponsored 401k with a 4% match
Hybrid work arrangement
Unlimited vacation and sick leave, as well as a generous holiday schedule.
All AdvanceEDU roles have hybrid work arrangements, allowing for some at-home work and some work in the field. Candidates should be comfortable commuting to the downtown Pueblo Office at least 3x per week and visiting our Denver office via day trip at least once per quarter.
AdvanceEDU is an equal employment opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.